President Bola Tinubu has mandated Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent him and lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. Several outlets report that the decision is communicated through statements by Nigeria’s Information Minister Mohammed Idris and, in one account, through Shettima’s post on X.
Idris explains that Tinubu is on annual leave and that Shettima will act with the President’s full authority at the high-level event. The reporting says Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement and take part in bilateral meetings and sessions on key themes including peace and security, economic development, climate action, global financial system reform, and sustainable development.
Outlets also note context around Tinubu’s travel schedule: he left Abuja on August 30 for a three-week vacation in Europe, which prompted questions about his attendance at UNGA. The pieces converge on the timing and mandate, while focusing differently on the rationale for Tinubu’s absence and the expected agenda of Shettima-led engagement during the general debate.
